MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
What you need to know Patient Education
We thank you for selecting Neuro Spinal Hospital as your preferred choice for your upcoming diagnostic procedure. This leaflet is designed to provide you with information on what you need to know about the procedure and the necessary preparations for it.
WHAT IS MRI? MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technique that uses both a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. The images can be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use any harmful radiation (x-rays).
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING What does the equipment look like? The traditional MRI unit is a large cylinder shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. You will lie on a moveable examination table that slides into the center of the magnet. Some MRI units are designed so that the magnet does not completely surround you; others are open on the sides (open MRI).
Lately some MRIs allow you to undergo the procedure standing or sitting (Open Sky MRI). Besides putting patients at ease, this Open Sky MRI also enables physicians to obtain dynamic images of the spine. The Neuro Spinal Hospital is happy to offer you all three technologies and options. Your physician will discuss with you the most suitable option based on your medical condition while accommodating as much as possible your personal preferences.
Open Sky MRI
Close MRI
Open MRI
IS MRI SAFE? MRI is generally safe and does not involve any X-ray radiation exposure. However, as the MR scanner uses a strong magnet, and it is therefore extremely important that you tell your doctor and radiographer about any implants or past surgery. Some implanted devices require a specific period of time after placement (usually six weeks), or special prepartions before being safe for MRI.
You must inform your doctor if you have: •
Artificial heart valves
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Implanted drug infusion ports (example: intrathecal pumps)
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Implanted electronic device, including cardiac pacemaker
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Artificial limbs or metallic joint prosthesis
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Implanted nerve stimulators
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Metal pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples
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Any other implants
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding There have been no reported effects from MRI to the unborn child. If you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant, inform your doctor and the MRI radiographer before the MRI procedure as precaution.
DANGER! Patients who have pacemakers cannot have an MRI. If you do, your doctor will try to find an alternative diagnostic procedure that will not interfere with the device.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PROCEDURE? FOOD & DRINK Guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI vary according to the specific exam. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take food and medications as usual.
What should I wear? It is preferable that you wear loose fitting clothes with no metal fasteners such as zippers, pins or metallic snaps. If this is not possible, you may be asked to wear a gown that will be provided by your radiographer. Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Because they can distort MRI images and interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include: • jewelry, watches, hearing aids, all of which can be damaged •
pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images
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removable dental work
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pens, pocket knives and eyeglasses
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body piercings
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credit cards or any magnetic / electronic card
- A dressing room and secure storage area will be provided for all of your belongings. - Additionally if a female patient wants to be assisted by a female radiographer she may request for one at the reception desk at the time of making the appointment.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I GET TO THE MRI CENTER?
Upon arrival,
you will be greeted and registered by our receptionist, and any papers and/or prior diagnostic studies will be collected at this time. We will also copy any insurance cards that you bring with you. Prior to the start of the scan, one of our technologists will conduct a brief interview with you regarding your medical history and the possible presence of metallic objects in your body.
Finally,
you will be asked to remove any metallic objects such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, and possibly nonpermanent dentures. Wallets, credit cards, and purses must also be left behind in a secure locker.
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During the procedure After preparing you will be taken back to the scanning room where the technologist will have you lie on a padded examination table.
be offered earplugs to reduce the noise of the MRI scanner or headphones. You can select a CD from our library or you can bring your own CD with whatever you would like to listen to. It is important that you remain perfectly still
A radiographer monitors you from another room and you can talk to him or her by microphone by pressing or squeezing the buzzer. The scanner emits a loud thumping sound and humming noises during the imaging. You will
while the images are being recorded. If you are worried about feeling claustrophobic inside the MRI machine, talk to your doctor beforehand as he/she may prescribe a sedative before the scan. Alternatively, your doctor might be able to refer you to our Open MRI Center.
MRI under Sedation It is important to remain still during the MRI scan, otherwise the images become blurred and must be repeated. Patients who may not be able to keep still for their scan or feel claustrophobic but are not candidates for the Open MRI, and children in particular, may be referred for an MRI under sedation. 1.
What is sedation? Sedation involves putting you to a deeper than usual sleep by giving medication that will help you relax. The medication can be given in the form of syrup for children or tablet for adults, and very often is given intravenously through a cannula (see below). If given orally, the medication takes 30 to 45 minutes to act. An anesthetist will remain with you throughout the procedure.
2.
Preparing for the procedure You will receive an appointment to attend the pre-admission clinic where an anesthetist will assess your medical history and prepare you for the procedure, and request some blood tests. Specific instructions about medications, fasting and what time you should arrive to the hospital will also be given at this point. Finally you will be asked to sign a consent form. Please feel free to discuss any concerns.
3.
Arriving at Neuro Spinal Hospital You will need to be fasting as instructed. For children, remember the 2-4-6 rule: No clear fluids for 2 hours, no breast milk/formula for 4 hours and no solids for 6 hours prior to the scan. When you arrive at the hospital, you will be directed to the daycare where a nurse will prepare you for your procedure.
4. What is a cannula? A cannula is a small plastic tube with a needle that is placed in the vein. This is used for injecting medicine to induce anesthesia, withdraw blood, or administer a contrast dye or muscle relaxant. For children, the nurse will first apply a local anesthetic cream to help ease the pain of the needle. If it is not possible to insert a cannula, a mask delivering anesthetic gases may be used instead. If your child is having the procedure, we highly recommend that you keep him/her distracted while this is done, this may involve bringing their favorite toy from home or playing a video for them. 5.
After the MRI scan You will return to the daycare and be monitored by the nurse for an average time of 2 hours. Before being considered for discharge you must: • Be able to drink clear fluids without vomiting or nauseating • Be able to walk with proper balance • Be fully awake and oriented
You will be allowed then to resume your daily activities. However, remember that you will not be allowed to drive yourself home or operate heavy machinery. Make sure you have made arrangements for transport home , if not you can speak to your nurse to make the necessary arrangements. Your nurse will be happy to address all your concerns, feel free to ask.
MRI scan with contrast What is the Contrast? In some cases, contrast agents called gadolinium may be used during the examination to enhance the appearance of certain tissues or blood vessels in the images. It will be injected into the intravenous line (IV) and the images will be taken during or following the injection. Before the procedure you may need a blood test to check that you do not have kidney failure. Please tell your doctor if you have any allergies, especially allergy to contrast dyes such as iodine. After the procedure, you may be asked to wait until the radiographer or radiologist
checks the images in case additional images are needed. Your intravenous line will then be removed.
Are there any side effects of the contrast? It is rare to react to the contrast dye. The most common side effects are itching, nausea or vomiting. These are usually soon after the injection. Please inform the Radiographer, the Anesthetist or the ward nurse of any symptoms. If your child experiences any symptoms after hours, please contact our Emergency department.
HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE? The length of MRI examination can vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour averaging for 30 minutes. You will be informed beforehand of the expected length of your procedure.
After the Test If you have not been sedated, you may resume your usual activities immediately after the scan. If you feel you are experiencing side effects from the contrast, please inform your radiographer immediatly.
Results of the Procedure After the procedure, the images of your scan will be analyzed and interpreted by the radiologist and a report will be sent to your doctor and documented in your medical file as well. You can request for a copy of your scan either on a CD at no additional cost or a printed film at a minimum charge. Please note that this charge is not covered by insurance companies.
FOR YOUR COMFORT We can make arrangements for your individual needs and comfort. We may allow a family member to accompany you into the MRI area. If you are uncomfortable with the scanning position, you may request to the radiographer to help you to get comfortable or reposition you where possible. Do not hesitate to speak to our staff, they are here to help.
WHERE CAN I PARK? Parking is available at the hospital basement. If you need a wheelchair or assistance into the building, please have the person accompanying you come into the building and ask one of our staff members for assistance. Please make sure you get parking ticket stamped at the reception to benefit from the three hours of free parking.
< LASTLY - RELAX > Don‘t worry about your scan. We are here to help. If you have any fears or doubts, don‘t hesitate to talk to one of our staff. If you would like to visit the department before your scan to have a look around, please contact us.
HOURS: our emergency department is open around the clock to treat critically ill and emergency patients. MAILING ADDRESS Neuro Spinal Hospital P.O. Box 71444, Dubai - United Arab Emirates www.nshdubai.com | info@nshdubai.com
PHYSICAL ADDRESS Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai - United Arab Emirates Switchboard Number: +971 (4) 342 0000 | Emergency Number: +971 (4) 315 7777